Feb 4, 2008 (DVB), U Ohn Than, a solo demonstrator currently detained in Insein prison, has been placed in solitary confinement and denied family visits after writing a letter about poor living conditions inside the prison.

Ma Ei Ei Maw, daughter of the 61-year-old solo protester, said she was told by prison officials during a recent visit to the prison that Ohn Than has been banned from receiving family visits until 9 February.

"They said the letter my father sent violated prison regulations by leaking information outside and so he has been banned from taking exercise and receiving family visits," said Ei Ei Maw.

"The restrictions will be lifted on 9 February."

Ei Ei Maw said she is worried for her father, who has been suffering from hypertension and kidney stone problems.

"I’m worried it will be very cold inside in his solitary cell, which will make his health worse," she said.

Ohn Than was arrested in late August 2007 after staging a solo demonstration in front of the US embassy in Rangoon against the government’s decision to increase fuel prices.

Reporting by Maung Too